Legal Definitions - criminal damage to property

Criminal damage to property is when someone intentionally causes harm or destruction to someone else's property without their permission. This can include damaging, destroying, or making it difficult to use the property.

For example, if someone breaks a window or spray paints graffiti on a building without the owner's permission, they could be charged with criminal damage to property. Similarly, if someone intentionally damages a car or steals parts from it, they could also be charged with this crime.

In some cases, criminal damage to property may also involve an attempt to defraud an insurance company or lienholder. For instance, if someone intentionally damages their own car and then tries to file a false insurance claim, they could be charged with this crime.